At court, a client might be issued a “Limited Driving Privilege” by the judge. This is not guaranteed but is usually allowed for first offenses. The judge will usually state that the offender cannot have a “Limited Driving Privilege” until he/she has had a DWI assessment. The court can sometimes require that the offender complete the treatment program before issuing a “Limited Driving Privilege (LDP).” The privilege is good for 365 days only and cannot be extended for any reason. If your 365 days of revocation is up and you can't get to the DMV to get your license restored, any driving you do will be considered Driving While License Revoked. This can result in an additional year of revocation without the benefit of a Limited Driving Privilege and a $500 fine. Do not drive when your LDP is expired and you do not have your Driver's License in hand!

 Get your Assessment and Groups started as soon as possible. Sometimes the process takes a few months to complete. This will delay restoration of your driver's license if you wait too late!

 Your Limited Driving Privilege will not be extended if your requirements are not met before your revocation period is up. Once the period of revocation passes, you will not be given any type of driving privilege until all requirements are met, the 508 Form is processed and entered into the computer by NC DMV and your full license is restored. You must make payment of a $75 restoration fee and an additional $15 for a new license. Your license is not restored just because your revocation period has ended! You will be Driving While Licensed Revoked until you are actually issued a new Driver's License by the NC DMV. People do not realize how long this process takes and that the Limited Driving Privilege can not be extended. They often end up having no driving privileges -- sometimes for months -- while they finish their requirements.

 First Step Substance Abuse & DWI Services is here to help you resolve your DWI problem. We will complete your DWI Assessment and get you started as quickly as possible, sometimes even the day you call. We know what you are going through.

 We will make sure you have everything you need concerning your assessment the day you come in if you bring your ticket or Breathalyzer verification, a certified copy of your driving record from every state you have lived in, and your fee in cash or money order. We will accept checks but we can not give you a letter or recommendation until your check clears.

 If you have all the above items, we will type a letter directly to your attorney, probation officer or others while you are at the office. There is no waiting period. You will not have to come back to pick up anything.